Django AllStars - Gainsb'Art (2021)

Formed in 2011 at the initiative of American producer Pat Philips, Django AllStars brings together three leading soloists: guitarist Samson Schmitt, violinist Pierre Blanchard and accordionist Ludovic Beier. Emanating from the Django Reinhardt festival in New York, the band's history actually dates back to the early 2000s, when the accordionist met Dorado Schmitt and his sons (Samson, then Amati) on the Birdland stage. This "string and bellows" orchestra very quickly conquered American territory. Garnering concerts for almost ten years, scheduled in the biggest festivals and on the most prestigious stages (Birdland in New York, Dakota Club in Minneapolis, Kennedy Center in Washington, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival…), the group is acclaimed at the legendary Newport Festival, where George Wein invited them twice (in 2014 and 2016), and will reach a form of climax in 2018 on the stage of Carnegie Hall.

Ludovic Beier (accordionist) Born in 1978, Ludovic Beier already has an impressive career as a jazz artist behind him. Recognized around the world for his stage experiences and prestigious encounters, he is now at the head of two groups in which he offers accessible, mixed jazz, both playful and intimate. Rich in his collaborations on the American continent, notably with James Carter or Anat Cohen, and his beautiful encounters with Toots Thielemans, Herbie Hancock or even Ivan Lins and Melody Gardot, he delivers music loaded with sincerity, truth and mastery. . "Ludovic Beier has this gift of phrasing which places him directly in the sphere of jazz" Christophe Huber - Jazz Magazine "Ludovic Beier with all the generosity that we know him and the immense talent which is his confirms what we are already sensed in another context, namely his dimension as a rare composer. »Jean-Marc Gelin - The Latest Jazz News« Ludovic Beier is not in the category of accordionists who play "among other things" jazz. He is a real jazzman who plays the accordion, a certified swingman. »Franck Bergerot - Jazz Magazine

Samson Schmitt (guitarist) Eldest son of Dorado Schmitt, Samson insolently signs the new history of the gypsy guitar. Lyricism, charm, power, inventiveness, flexibility, generosity: everything is there! After performing at the age of 12 with his father all over the world (Europe, United States, Japan ...), Samson has been asserting himself for ten years within Django AllStars or at the head of his new Belgian trio (guitar / violin / piano) as one of the most eminent Gypsy guitarists of today.

Pierre Blanchard (violinist) Spotted in Martial Solal's Big Band during the 1980s, Pierre Blanchard was then dubbed by Stéphane Grappelli, before distinguishing himself at the head of string formulas (“Gulf String”, “Arcollectiv '”) , which show his taste for composition and arrangement. After having played and recorded in France and abroad with the greatest (Stéphane Grappelli, Michel Legrand, Toots Thielemans, Pierre Michelot, Lee Konitz, Vince Mendoza ...), Pierre has distinguished himself for ten years as soloist of the Django AllStars and with Les Esprits Manouches by Thomas Dutronc.